News

Kingibe Denies Endorsing Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension

Published

3 months ago

June 18, 2026

Senator Ireti Kingibe

Kingibe Denies Endorsing Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Senate, has firmly denied endorsing the committee report that recommended the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The FCT senator insists she neither saw nor reviewed the document before it was submitted, raising questions about Senate procedures and the transparency of the disciplinary process. Kingibe made the disclosure on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, where she addressed growing concerns surrounding the controversial suspension. According to the lawmaker, she was not present when the report was handled and had no opportunity to review its contents before the decision was taken, adding that she believes the entire process could have been handled differently.

Speaking during the interview, Kingibe explained that she attended the committee meeting briefly before leaving for a tax reform retreat, which she considered more important because of its direct impact on her constituents. “I did tell everybody that I was not there. I wasn’t there. I was in the retreat with him. He came to meet me there, and when I heard about the report, I said, ‘But we were here,'” she stated. According to the FCT senator, she and three or four other senators on the Committee of Petitions, Public Complaints and Petitions signed the attendance register, but she left to attend the tax reform retreat. “We attended the Committee on Petitions and Public Complaints, signed the attendance register, and I later left for the tax reform retreat, which I considered more important at the time. It affects my constituents much more than disciplining a senator, and I figured that the other people who were not part of that committee would take care of it,” she explained.

While acknowledging that a photocopy of her signature appeared on the document recommending Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, Kingibe maintained that she did not sign the report itself. “I even complained to other senators, specifically Senator Barau; I complained to him very bitterly that I have not seen that report. I didn’t see it then; I have not seen it till now,” she said. She also mentioned that she complained to Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe over the matter. “I couldn’t have endorsed the committee report; I didn’t see it,” she insisted. The FCT senator clarified that she has never accused anyone of forging her signature, stating emphatically: “But I did not say anybody forged my signature.”

READ ALSO:

The senator questioned the Senate’s procedural practices, arguing that lawmakers should be allowed to review committee reports thoroughly before signing them. “The truth of the matter is there are many, many things that I feel should not be the way they are. Number one, I feel that we should be given reports to read when they are ready, and then we sign them. Not that the reports are written and then they’re just… sometimes we’re just given to sign,” she explained. “It is unlikely that I signed without being aware that was what I was signing. We’re supposed to read the report to then sign it. A photocopy of my signature is on it,” she insisted, questioning how her signature could have appeared on a document she had never seen.

While discussing the broader controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, Kingibe noted that disciplinary issues within the Senate are often resolved through apologies, suggesting the dispute could have been settled much earlier. “It can definitely be improved on. And truly, before now, every senator that has had a problem has been suspended for three months. But by the same token, every time any senator is out of order, being out of order ends as soon as you say, ‘Distinguished colleagues, I apologize for being out of order,'” she said. Kingibe cited instances where she herself had apologized after throwing a “tantrum” and noted that Senator Ndume does the same regularly without facing suspension because they promptly apologize when they realize they have contravened Senate rules. “It took as long as it did because it was absolutely unnecessary. Senator Natasha could have apologised,” she added, suggesting that a simple apology could have averted the entire controversy.

The controversy deepened earlier when Senator Adams Oshiomhole alleged that the names of at least three senators were improperly included on the Senate Committee report that recommended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. Speaking during an interview on Africa Independent Television (AIT), Oshiomhole cited Senator Kingibe as one of the lawmakers whose name was allegedly misused. “The committee does a hearing; members are expected to sign the report to endorse it. If you don’t agree, you can abstain. But some said they didn’t sign, yet their names were published. People like Senator Ireti Kingibe. She told me, ‘But I didn’t sign that report. But my name was published,'” Oshiomhole said. However, Oshiomhole later backtracked on his forgery allegations, clarifying that his remarks were misrepresented. In a statement, he said: “The insinuation that I said signatures of senators were forged is a complete misrepresentation of what I actually said.” He explained that he never claimed any lawmaker’s signature was forged, but was merely referencing a comment made by a member of the committee.

In response to the allegations, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu dismissed Oshiomhole’s claims, insisting that no signatures were forged. Adaramodu, who was a member of the Ethics and Public Petitions Committee that investigated the matter, maintained that senators are mature and independent-minded individuals who would raise objections on the floor of the Senate if their rights were violated. “That is not true. Signatures forged, over what?” Adaramodu queried. He added that if Senator Kingibe had any concerns about procedure, she would have raised them on the floor of the Senate, not to an individual. “Nobody will say that he or she was coerced or somebody’s signature was forged; that has never happened in the Senate and it cannot happen. It has never happened,” he stated. Adaramodu confirmed that the Senate leadership would examine Oshiomhole’s comments and take an official position after reviewing the claims.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 for six months following allegations of gross misconduct and unruly behavior during a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding sitting arrangements in the chamber. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions recommended the suspension after Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reallocation of her seat in the Senate chamber. The committee recommended that Akpoti-Uduaghan submit a written apology before the Senate could consider lifting or reducing her suspension. Her office was ordered locked, her salaries and allowances suspended, and her security details withdrawn for the duration of the suspension, marking one of the harshest disciplinary actions taken against a senator in recent years.

Kingibe Denies Endorsing Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension

Related Topics:Akpoti-Uduaghan Kingibe Suspension

Up Next

FG Launches FreeTV, Offers Nigerians Over 100 Free Digital TV Channels

Don't Miss

Former Minister Diezani Speaks on Emotional Toll of 11-Year Battle

News

NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms, Rain Across Nigeria Till Wednesday

Published

27 minutes ago

September 21, 2026

Hamdalat Bisiriyu

NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms, Rain Across Nigeria Till Wednesday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rainfall across several parts of Nigeria from Monday to Wednesday.

The agency, in its weather outlook released on Sunday, also warned that strong winds could occur ahead of thunderstorms in some areas.

For Monday, NiMet expects thunderstorms and light rain over parts of Taraba and Kebbi during the morning. Later in the day, moderate rainfall is expected across several areas in the North-East, Kaduna, Taraba and Kebbi.

In the North-Central region, parts of Niger State could experience thunderstorms and light rain in the morning, while most parts of the region may record thunderstorms with moderate rainfall by afternoon or evening.

The southern states are also expected to experience wet conditions. NiMet forecasts cloudy skies in the morning, with isolated thunderstorms and light rain over parts of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. More thunderstorms and light rain are expected later in the day.

Tuesday and Wednesday Forecast

On Tuesday, the northern region is expected to have patches of cloud in the morning, with thunderstorms and light rain possible in parts of Taraba.

By afternoon or evening, most parts of the region could experience thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rain.

In the North-Central, parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa and Plateau states are expected to receive thunderstorms and moderate rainfall later in the day.

Southern areas, including parts of Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia and the South-South, may also experience thunderstorms and light rain.

NiMet expects more widespread rainfall on Wednesday, particularly across northern and North-Central states. Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba are among the areas listed for morning thunderstorms and moderate rain.

The agency also forecasts thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across much of the South later on Wednesday.

NiMet advised residents to secure loose objects and take precautions against strong winds. Motorists were urged to avoid driving during heavy rainfall, while residents were advised to disconnect electrical appliances during thunderstorms and stay away from tall trees.

Airline operators were also advised to obtain airport-specific weather information when planning flights.

NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms, Rain Across Nigeria Till Wednesday

News

Working People United Celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Commends Her Humanitarian Efforts

Published

38 minutes ago

September 21, 2026

Hamdalat Bisiriyu

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu

Working People United Celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Commends Her Humanitarian Efforts

Civic organisation Working People United has congratulated Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her 66th birthday, praising her contributions to humanitarian services, education, healthcare and the empowerment of vulnerable Nigerians.

Oluremi Tinubu celebrates her 66th birthday on Monday, September 21, 2026, with messages of goodwill coming from individuals and organisations across the country.

In a congratulatory message issued on Sunday, National Coordinator-General of Working People United, Prince Williams Akporeha, described the First Lady’s years of public service as an important part of her contribution to Nigerian society.

Akporeha said the organisation recognised Oluremi Tinubu’s continued involvement in programmes designed to improve the welfare of children, women, young people and underserved communities.

He particularly highlighted her advocacy and interventions in education, healthcare access, youth development and economic empowerment, saying such initiatives were directed at addressing challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians.

According to the group, the First Lady’s humanitarian activities have focused on providing practical support to communities and creating opportunities for people who might otherwise have limited access to social and economic resources.

Working People United also commended Oluremi Tinubu’s interest in family welfare and children’s development, describing those areas as important to the long-term development of the country.

The organisation said efforts to strengthen access to basic education and healthcare, particularly at the grassroots, remained critical to improving the quality of life of Nigerians.

It also praised initiatives aimed at providing young people with skills and economic opportunities, noting that youth empowerment could help reduce vulnerability and expand participation in the economy.

Akporeha urged the First Lady to sustain her advocacy for vulnerable Nigerians as she begins another year of her life.

Working People United Celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Commends Her Humanitarian Efforts

International

18 Suspects Transferred to US Over 2021 Killing of Haitian President Moïse

Published

1 hour ago

September 21, 2026

Hamdalat Bisiriyu

18 Suspects Transferred to US Over 2021 Killing of Haitian President Moïse

Eighteen suspects accused of involvement in the 2021 assassination of former Haitian President Jovenel Moise have been transferred from Haiti to the United States to face trial.

US officials said the suspects were transported to Florida on Sunday, as American authorities continue their prosecution of people allegedly connected to the plot.

Federal prosecutor Jason Reding Quinones said the suspects were flown from Haiti on a military aircraft to face proceedings in the Southern District of Florida.

He said US authorities had so far indicted 30 people in connection with the assassination and warned that the prosecutions were not over.

Among those transferred was Joseph Felix Badio, a former anti-corruption official with Haiti’s Ministry of Justice who has been identified as a major suspect in the investigation.

Haitian government and police sources said the other suspects included Colombian nationals who were allegedly part of the group involved in the operation.

Colombian Nationals Among Suspects

Colombia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that 17 of its citizens had been transferred from Haiti to the United States.

The ministry said the Colombian government was monitoring the development but had not participated in the decision or process that led to the transfer.

Moise was killed at his private residence in Port-au-Prince on July 7, 2021. Investigators said a group of about 20 Colombian military-trained mercenaries had been hired in connection with the operation.

The president’s security detail came under scrutiny after failing to prevent the attack.

In May, four men were convicted in a Miami federal court over charges connected to the plot, including conspiracy to kill or kidnap Moise and providing material support for the operation. They could face life imprisonment.

US prosecutors said the men were linked to CTU Security, a Florida-based private security company, and had allegedly been attracted by the prospect of lucrative contracts after Moise was removed from power.

The assassination plunged Haiti further into political and security turmoil. The country has since struggled with gang violence and remains without a president, while preparations continue for elections scheduled for December, subject to security conditions.